St Paul's outside the Gates of Rome

In Rome we went out to the 'burbs on the Metro for some ridiculously low cost of €1.50 to St Paul outside the gates or

It was quite a serene experience inside ( and it was free! - just after I had said to J "Of course we'll have to pay.  Catholics always charge!") I'll have to wash my mouth out with soap.  It was so quiet and peaceful.  It really felt like a place where everyone could find an inner peace.  A bit like Fatima and quite the opposite to the Vatican.  It is a massive place and, amongst other things has images of every Pope displayed high up near the ceiling.

 Everything is massive

Some of the popes in the circular images above the arches.

Current and former pope

St Paul's Tomb.

A very peaceful and serene place.

Just in the last few years, next to the huge St Paul's they've discovered the remains of a monastery built around 600 and they are starting to excavate......

Outside in the 'burbs near St Paul's 

You know you are in the 'burbs. 

They didn't even stand up for a nun on the train!  I would even stand up for Sr. Albertus - even though she was a horrible nasty woman.

Jonathan did notice they were getting some good concerts in the neighbourhood regardless.

We went to the local Big M to use free WiFi - and I ordered a burger that reminded me ( in name) of salmonella.  While there, a young worker came over to warn me against using my iPhone as the place was known to be frequented by young gypsies who often stole phones.  We didn't stay too long after that and headed back into the centre of Roma / Rome - known for its many pick pocketers.